## Using the Original Apple Pencil with Your New iPad Pro or iPad Air
Contrary to popular belief and Apple’s own claims, it is indeed possible to use your old Apple Pencil with the latest versions of iPad Pro and iPad Air. With a little bit of tinkering, you can have your original Apple Pencil up and running on your new iPad. Here’s how to do it.
Understanding the Compatibility of Apple Pencils
The latest Apple Pencil Pro may be top of the line, but it doesn’t mean the original model is obsolete. Despite the advancements of each generation, the original Apple Pencil from 2015 can still be made compatible with the latest iPads. It’s worth noting, however, that this compatibility workaround only applies to the original model, not the second-generation Apple Pencil.
What You Need
To make your original Apple Pencil work with a USB-C iPad, you’ll need the following:
- The old iPad the Apple Pencil was paired with
- The Lightning female-to-female adapter that came with the original Apple Pencil
- A Lightning to USB-C cable
- The LightBlue app
The LightBlue app is a free tool available on the App Store designed specifically for connecting Bluetooth Low Energy devices.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Your Original Apple Pencil to a New iPad
Here’s the process to connect your original Apple Pencil to a new iPad:
- Plug the Apple Pencil into the old iPad, then remove it again.
- Open Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap on the ‘i’ button next to the Apple Pencil’s name.
- Choose to forget the device and confirm.
- On the new iPad, open the LightBlue app.
- Connect the Apple Pencil using the USB-C to Lightning and female-to-female adapters.
- In the LightBlue app, tap ‘Connect’ next to the Apple Pencil.
- Enter the Bluetooth pairing passcode, which is 1234.
- Unplug the Apple Pencil.
You might encounter some timeout errors or need to refresh the LightBlue app before it recognizes your original Apple Pencil.
A Few Notes to Remember
It’s important to keep your Apple Pencil charged using the USB-C to Lightning adapter. Also, if the Pencil’s battery runs down completely, you might need to repeat this process.
While your original Apple Pencil won’t have the newer features like the squeeze control on the Apple Pencil Pro, it will still allow you to draw and write, plus control your iPad. Just be cautious of its cylindrical shape which might make it roll off your desk!
Conclusion
With a bit of effort, you can indeed use your original Apple Pencil with your new iPad. It may require a few extra steps and some patience, but it ultimately provides a cost-effective solution for those not ready to upgrade their Apple Pencil.
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use my second-generation Apple Pencil on my new iPad?
A1: Unfortunately, this workaround only applies to the original Apple Pencil. The second-generation model is not compatible with the latest iPads using this method.
Q2: What do I do if I get a timeout error?
A2: Timeout errors are common during this process. If you encounter one, simply go back through the steps outlined above.
Q3: Do I need to keep the LightBlue app on my iPad?
A3: You only need the LightBlue app for the initial connection process. However, keeping it installed may be useful in case you need to repeat the process.
Q4: What features will I miss out on by using the original Apple Pencil?
A4: While the original Apple Pencil will allow you to draw, write, and control your iPad, it lacks some of the newer features like the squeeze control found on the Apple Pencil Pro.
Q5: Can I use any Lightning to USB-C cable?
A5: Yes, any standard Lightning to USB-C cable should work for this process.
